Factors Associated With Breastfeeding Outcomes in Lebanon: A National Cross-Sectional Study

The overarching study introduces a series of papers that aim to examine the effects of these policies on breastfeeding practices; this paper presents the overall methodology and sample characteristics. It also presents percentages of breastfeeding practices and associated factors, with a particular focus on lactation support. This cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 280 Lebanese adult mothers with at least one child less than 5 years old using an online survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out, where chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used as applicable. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, and pregnancy-related variables poorly predicted breastfeeding practices, while receiving prenatal education about breastfeeding before pregnancy (OR = 1.81 [1.03–3.15]) and during the third trimester (OR = 1.71 [1.03–2.81]) was associated with higher odds of early initiation of BF. The main sources of prenatal education were gynecologists, lactation specialists, and midwives who had significant positive influences on some BF practices. The multivariate analysis showed a positive association between normal delivery with skin-to-skin contact (AOR = 6.08 [3.30–11.21]) and early initiation of BF (AOR = 4.07 [2.24–7.41]), whereas support from experienced mothers, receiving prenatal education about breastfeeding from lactation specialists, and support from the workplace were negatively associated with some BF practices. These findings highlight the critical need to expand breastfeeding initiatives across Lebanon, mainly by empowering healthcare professionals with enhanced training and resources.